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At Atlas, you’ll find Carolina catfish, pork taquitos, short ribs, ravioli and polenta, Hawaiian shrimp and Moroccan beef. Ingredients — which don’t necessarily remain with their cuisine-of-origin — include lemongrass, cactus, Gorgonzola, wasabi, coconut, pancetta, caviar and black-eyed peas. It may sound like the chef is confused, but even if he were, open-minded taste buds should not quibble with the results.

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If you like your sandwiches made for you, show up at lunchtime as the focaccia comes out of the oven. It might be topped with organic roasted zucchini, tomatoes, basil and Parmesan. Avalon has branched out from the baguettes and crusty peasant loaves that have brought bread-starved customers flocking for years. Now brioche, scones and cinnamon rolls expand the meaning of “bread.”

Old Detroit haunt takes on new appeal. The Bronx is short on frills - no bands, no parking, no Red Bull or exotic martinis - but long on character. Its pool table, cheap beer (an ice-cold Old Milwaukee will set you back as much as your DDOT bus fare) and jukebox stocked with old soul, hip-hop and greasy rawk, keep the place packed with local rock stars, college kids and other Cass Corridor gritterati. Stop in on Thursdays for a haircut in the pinball salon - owner Paul Howard promises "a high-class do at dive-bar prices." Or come by with everyone else after a garage-rock show to see what (allegedly) makes the Bronx Jack White's favorite hometown drinking spot. At 4476 Second Avenue, Detroit. Call 313-832-8464 for further lowdown. -Ian LeBlanc

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Located near Wayne State. Lebanese and Middle Easter-inspired menu which offers over 90 dishes and includes quesadillas, Cajun salmon, fettucine Alfredo and fish and chips. Also has bargain prices of $3.75-$5 for wraps and sandwiches.

The lofty open space on two floors can accommodate intimate or large groups, and caters to canines and molars, including lentil walnut burgers and roasted red pepper hummus for the latter. They also have beer and wine specials, including dollar Black Labels on Thursdays, and featured-wine Fridays. In this minimalist environment, friends gather to enjoy a pleasant "non-vibe" amid curated art exhibits. It was voted in 2007 by readers as the Best Bar for Conversation. Whether you have a penchant for windjammers, a thirst for beer specials, a hankering for food or a fondness for art, this place has the making of a good night any night.

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The traditional French pancake gets an American treatment here. Each crêpe takes about two minutes or less, from first careful pouring to the moment it's handed to the customer. Biggest seller so far among the savories is the “Sarah.” “Vera” combines bacon and spinach with Boursin, and two other savories pile on Black Forest ham. For sweet crêpes, which are the majority, customers like the “Fay,” similar to a nonalcoholic Bananas Foster, plus pecans. When eating these creations on the go, neatness can be a problem. The safest technique to avoid the innards’ spilling out is to roll the crêpe up like a burrito, tucking in the corners if necessary. Feel free to call ahead for take-out orders. Call for reservations if your party is of six or more. One dollar off orders with a Detroit Film Theatre ticket stub, or with a student ID. Serves 50 different crêpes available, with a full expresso bar and Intelligentsia coffee. Open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays.

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Adorned with beer banners, farm implements and 10 TV monitors tuned to sports stations, the capacious, century-old former brothel is 30-yards long, with perhaps the longest bar in Detroit. Most patrons are satisfied with burgers, chili, sandwiches and drafts from Bud to boutique. But satisfying as these mundane offerings may be, there are also more than a dozen oversized appetizers, many Southwestern oriented, hefty a la carte salads, a singular, exceedingly thick, white-bean soup, and oversized entrees.

Serving up breakfast till noon on weekdays and till 3 on weekends, Honest John's is sure to keep you going, with Bloody Marys and Ghetto Blaster Ale and a full bar at any time of day. As many as 30 to 40 people can sit outside, complete with Waspinators to keep your eating adventure clean and fun. Note: The badass jukebox plays funk and Motown, and can be heard out on the patio.

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Each day they offer a different soup; three Indian dishes, two of them vegetarian; a "Mideast feast" of hommous, tabouli and falafel; a veggie quesadilla; a pasta dish, such as spaghetti with chicken meatballs; nachos; three pizzas; Greek salad; and three American-style sandwiches. Desserts are Middle Eastern pastries, and you will often find crisp, fresh samosas waiting on the entrance table.

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"This is MotorCity Casino's pride and joy, as fine a restaurant as you'll find anywhere in the world. [Executive Master Chef] Michael Russell, one of only two practicing Certified Master Chefs in Michigan, promises this is where his vision will come to fruition."

"Lefty's Lounge is Detroit's premier sports pub. Boasting 15 giant TVs, amazing drinks specials, a superior menu and a relaxed atmosphere, Lefty's is THE place to relax and enjoy the game with your friends. Lefty's is located on the first floor of the historic Belcrest Apartments across the street from Wayne State University."